Whether or not we are conscious of it, everyone has assets. They are the daily supports and attitudes we rely on to take care of ourselves, our families, our businesses. Even when those assets come in the simple form of a smile or a greeting, we rely on them to thrive.

In exactly the same way, kids also need assets to grow and develop into healthy, caring, and responsible members of our community. Youth Service Bureau is dedicated to working with adults throughout Middletown, CT to help increase the presence of these building blocks in our kids’ lives. Look around this site. Make a promise. Make a difference. The kids are counting on you.

The Search Institute has identified 40 assets that, when present, contribute to positive youth development and engagement in our community. Think of assets as the building blocks that help kids be more successful. This year, Youth Services Bureau is focusing on 5 of these assets. To be effective, we need your help. All you have to do is claim one asset as your personal focus. Click here to get involved. It's free, easy, fun and rewarding.

Family life provides high levels of love and support.

When was the last time you praised a child when they worked hard to achieve a goal? You can also provide opportunities for kids to help each other solve problems, building bonds of support that last a life-time.

Young person perceives that adults in the community value youth.

Next time you walk past a young person show them a heart-felt smile. Or if you see one of our community's kids do something positive, reach out to the Middletown press or Hartford Courant.Let's promote our kids in a positive way.

Parent(s) and other adults model positive, responsible behavior.

Do you realize that the community's youth learn from you and all that you do is observed and practiced by them? Let's all make an effort to demonstrate responsibility and a positive approach to our interactions with adults and kids.

Youth spends 3 or more hours per week in lessons or practice in music, theater, or other arts.

Middletown's Youth Services Bureau is a valuable resource in your search for programs that may be available for our youth. There's plenty of fun activities to keep kids engaged and away from the television.

Young person believes it's important not to be sexually active or to use alcohol or drugs.

It's never too early to start teaching students ways to effectively resist peer pressure. Share your expectations with your children and their friends, letting them know you have confidence in them making good decisions.

From a community-backed brochure, to motivating posters, to the complete statistical background on developmental assets, we've gathere all the info you might need to make your promise. To access our support materials, click here.

Finding strengthin common language.

“The rules have to be consistent. Kids thrive on consistency.” Pastor Wynn

Mitchell Wynn, Pastor, local business owner & school volunteer in Middletown.